Food Drive / Toy Drive

Below is a list of local organizations that welcome food and toy donations this winter season.

These options are provided as a resource for PTA chairs to share with members, coordinate group collections, or support as a PTA. Please contact each organization directly to confirm current needs, drop-off details, and any guidelines before managing the drive.

Non-Profit Donation Centers in Irvine

Families Forward

  • Focus: Preventing and ending family homelessness in Orange County.
  • Accepted Items: Non-perishable food, hygiene items, new school supplies, gift cards, and seasonal holiday gifts.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Assistance League of Irvine

  • Focus: Runs an all-volunteer thrift shop funding community programs, including clothing for Irvine Unified School District students in need.
  • Accepted Items: Gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, books, kitchenware, home decor, and small household goods.
  • Hours: Wednesday–Thursday & Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

  • Focus: Distributes food across Orange County to eliminate hunger.
  • Accepted Items: Shelf-stable foods, bulk food drives, and financial donations.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

Jessie Rees Foundation (NEGU)

  • Focus: Provides JoyJars and support to children fighting cancer.
  • Accepted Items: New, unused small toys, games, and art supplies that fit inside JoyJars.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

Goodwill Industries of Orange County (Attended Donation Center)

  • Focus: Funds job training and placement services for individuals facing employment barriers.
  • Accepted Items: Clothing, shoes, housewares, electronics, small appliances, and books.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM.
Key Nearby Donation Centers Serving Orange County

Orange County Rescue Mission (Village of Hope)

  • Focus: Comprehensive shelter and rehabilitation services (located just over the Irvine border).
  • Accepted Items: Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, non-perishable food, canned goods, personal hygiene supplies, and household essentials.
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

  • Focus: Directs sales of donated home goods and building supplies toward affordable housing construction.
  • Accepted Items: Quality furniture, appliances, building materials, cabinetry, lighting fixtures, and hardware.
  • Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Mercy Warehouse

  • Focus: Funds food distribution programs for families across South Orange County.
  • Accepted Items: Clothing, furniture, household goods, books, and electronics.
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Irvine & Orange County Toy Drive

1. Local Community Non-Profits (Irvine)

Families Forward (Irvine)

  • How to Host: Schedule a dedicated community donation drive directly via their website. They provide collection guidelines for their annual holiday giving program.
  • Top Needs: New, unwrapped toys for ages 0–17, $25–$50 gift cards (Target, Walmart, Amazon for teens), and seasonal holiday gifts.
  • Drop-off Location: 8 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92618

Jessie Rees Foundation / NEGU (Irvine)

  • Focus: Small, new toys that fit inside JoyJars for pediatric cancer patients.
  • Top Needs: Brand-new small stuffed animals, art supplies, card games, and fidget toys.
  • Drop-off Location: 131 Enterprise, Irvine, CA 92618

2. Major Orange County Drop-Off Toy Drives

CASA of Orange County Toy Drive (Fashion Island)

  • Dates: Late November through mid-December.
  • Details: Drop off new, unwrapped toys at the Fashion Island Concierge Suite (Atrium Court) to support children in Orange County’s foster care system.

CHiPs for KIDS Toy Drive (Irvine Spectrum Center)

  • Details: Organized alongside the California Highway Patrol and KCAL News.
  • Drop-off Location: Collection bins located near Dave & Buster’s at the Irvine Spectrum Center.

Spark of Love Toy Drive (Orange County Fire Authority)

  • Details: OCFA partners with ABC7 annually to collect new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment for local underrepresented youth.
  • Drop-off Location: Any local Irvine Fire Station.
Best Practices & Ideas for Group / School Toy Drives
  • Age-Group Competition / Class Challenge: Assign specific age ranges to different grades or advisement classes (e.g., 6th Grade: Toddler toys; 7th Grade: Elementary games; 8th Grade: Teen gift cards).
  • Focus on Teen Gifts ($25 Gift Cards & Tech Access): Teenagers are often the most under-donated age group during holiday drives. Encourage donations of $25 gift cards (Target, Amazon), Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, makeup/grooming sets, or sports equipment.
  • Virtual Wishlist Option: Set up an Amazon or Target registry linked directly to the non-profit’s address so busy families can donate in one click.